Vaccinations

[jourdain2]

I'm having the holiday of a lifetime in January, being brave, but a bit daunted 'cos I have to do it on my own (MrJ2's heart etc. says no long-haul). Going to visit a friend in Thailand in January.

Mentioned this at surgery and have app't'm't with nurse tomorrow to see about vaccinations. She very kindly printed-off pages of stuff, which sounded really complicated. When I ploughed through it on line, the only one I think I need is contra Rabies. Only going to Bangkok and Bridge over the River Kwai and all risks are minimal-to-nowt for typhoid, malaria, yellowfever etc. Friend advises against malaria tables as she ha had guests who are made ill by them - she takes them (expensively) to the Drs. and they say 'stop taking the tablets'

Comments and opinions please. Currently I intend to resist all blandishments save rabies.

[rockyracoon]

I've been to Thailand 3 times and never had a rabies jab.

[ummmm]

I've been also and didn't have any jabs.

[DTCwordfan]

make sure your tetanus is up to date and then your Hep A, B, C.....

[jourdain2]

Tetanus is up to date. Areyou sure about the Hepatitis DTC?

[DTCwordfan]

usually recommended and if you are going out of the city centre.....check with your quack - the advisory is, 'or most standard tourists, the usual recommended vaccinations for Thailand include cover against the childhood diseases (Tetanus and Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps and Rubella) as well as cover against the food borne diseases of Typhoid and Hepatitis A.

For those trekking in the Thai countryside or staying for longer periods then cover against Hepatitis B and Rabies should be considered.

[237SJ]

I certainly wouldn't bother with a rabies jab.

[237SJ]

The river Kwai trip can be done as a day trip from Bangkok. It's not exactly in the wilds. I`d just take a good insect repellent

[Buenchico]

You say that you 'ploughed through it online' but you don't mention which websites you've looked at. Some sites are notoriously unreliable (and often contain misleading or out-of-date information).

The only 'official' website is the one funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to provide health information to travellers and health professionals. That site only recommends rabies vaccinations for travellers who're at increased risk:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/221/thailand#Vaccine_recommendations

[SlackAlice]

I've been to Thailand about four times now, including Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. Had the usual vaccinations as shown in Buenchico's link. Never bothered with malaria tablets as only required in a few areas.

Whilst in Bangkok make sure you see the Grand Palace and take a river tour. The Jim Thompson Museum is worth a visit as well. If your into shopping go to the Siam Centre. Have fun and smile at the Thai's wearing warm clothing because they think it's cold in January!!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Thompson_House

[jourdain2]

Thanks everyone, although I'm still a bit confused. As a child,I caught measles (MMR vaccine wasn't thought of) I had vac. for Rubella but family seems to be immune to Mumps - I've been through at least 5 Mumps epidemics - my mum went through more and my kids through fewer- but none of us have ever contracted Mumps (my sister and I were, as small children, found cuddling suffering friends; the GP said he'd see us next week - but he never did!

All in all, I think that I will tell the nurse 'No thanks', she does have cats so possibly salve everyone's conscience by having the rabies jab.

Buenchico - that's the site I was on, thanks.

Thank you everyone. :)

[murraymints]

I volunteer to carry your bags... all the way..lol..

[jourdain2]

You're on, Minty! All we have to do is organise a couple of leg-holes in my hand baggage. Sure we can sort this out!

[Sqad]

Keep onto the tourist's paths and just go, without vaccination or immunisations.
Fantastic hotels.........best in the world.

[NoMercy]

I would definitely have typhoid!

[waterboatman]

Rabies and malaria.

[jourdain2]

Thanks Nom and Waterboatman. Friend says no need for Malaria but I don't yet know about Rabies. Going to e-mail her tonight because Rabies costs £120 gulp and I've already severely depleted my savings.